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Hepatitis: Archives

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Items 1-25 of 403 are shown

Could Blood Tests Replace Biopsy in HCV Fibrosis Assessment?

Several blood tests performed moderately well in diagnosing degree of fibrosis in HCV infection.

  • By Atif Zaman, MD, MPH
  • June 7, 2013
  • Covering:
    • Chou R and Wasson N., Ann Intern Med 2013 Jun 4; 158:807

Sofosbuvir Works for Patients Who Cannot Take Peginterferon

Two phase III studies confirm the efficacy of a sofosbuvir and ribavirin therapy in patients with HCV genotype 2 or 3 infection for whom peginterferon is not an option.

  • By Atif Zaman, MD, MPH
  • May 24, 2013
  • Covering:
    • Jacobson IM et al., N Engl J Med 2013 May 16; 368:1867

Predictors of Poor Outcomes in Autoimmune Hepatitis

Liver-related death or need for liver transplantation was associated with age at presentation, incomplete treatment response, and low albumin, but not advanced fibrosis.

A Global View of HCV Infection and Barriers to Treatment

Even with new treatments on the horizon for HCV infection, worldwide issues of access, cost, and gaps in physician knowledge must be addressed.

  • By Atif Zaman, MD, MPH
  • May 10, 2013
  • Covering:
    • Mohd Hanafiah K et al., Hepatology 2013 Apr; 57:1333
    • McGowan CE at al., Hepatology 2013 Apr; 57:1325

Sofosbuvir-Based Therapy for HCV Infection: The Results Are In

The evidence shows superior efficacy and tolerability of sofosbuvir-based regimens versus those currently available, particularly in patients with HCV genotype 1.

Does HBV Suppression with Entecavir Affect Clinical Outcomes?

Evidence from an ongoing prospective cohort study indicates yes, but only in patients with cirrhosis, and only when virologic response is strong.

Sofosbuvir plus Peginterferon and Ribavirin for Chronic HCV Infection

In phase II trials, a 12-week regimen resulted in high virologic response 24 weeks after treatment, no sofosbuvir-specific adverse effects, and no virologic breakthrough.

  • By Atif Zaman, MD, MPH
  • April 12, 2013
  • Covering:
    • Lawitz E et al., Lancet Infect Dis 2013 Mar 15
    • Kowdley KV et al., Lancet 2013 Mar 15

Where Are We with Pentoxifylline for Severe Alcoholic Hepatitis?

A pooled analysis of available trial data showed a 53% reduction in mortality from hepatorenal syndrome, but no reduction in overall mortality, compared with placebo.

  • By Atif Zaman, MD,
  • April 12, 2013
  • Covering:
    • Parker R et al., Aliment Pharmacol Ther 2013 May; 37:845

Targeting Host Cell MicroRNA: An Exciting New Approach to HCV Treatment

A drug that sequesters a liver-cell microRNA decreases HCV RNA — in some cases, to undetectable levels.

  • By Rajesh T. Gandhi, MD
  • April 3, 2013
  • Covering:
    • Janssen HLA et al., N Engl J Med 2013 Mar 27
    • Lieberman J and Sarnow P., N Engl J Med 2013 Mar 27

Transient Elastography Might Replace Liver Biopsy in HCV Management

This non-invasive procedure had a sensitivity of 100% and a specificity of 89% in identifying patients with cirrhosis at a cutoff point of 13.1 kPa.

  • By Atif Zaman, MD, MPH
  • March 28, 2013
  • Covering:
    • Gara N et al., Clin Gastroenterol Hepatol 2013 Mar; 11:303

Hepatitis C Virus Seldom Is Transmitted Sexually

This study should reassure monogamous heterosexual couples who are discordant for the virus.

  • By Abigail Zuger, MD
  • March 19, 2013
  • Covering:
    • Terrault NA et al., Hepatology 2013 Mar; 57:881

Do Futility Rules for HCV Triple Therapy Work?

Apparently, yes. In a retrospective analysis, the rules had high validity for identifying patients unlikely to achieve SVR.

  • By Atif Zaman, MD, MPH
  • March 8, 2013
  • Covering:
    • Adda N et al., Clin Gastroenterol Hepatol 2013 Feb; 11:193

Hepatitis Flares and Mortality in Patients with HIV and Hepatitis Virus Coinfection

Pretreatment inflammation and coagulation biomarkers are associated with increased risk for these important complications after initiation of antiretroviral therapy.

Do Statins Protect Against Hepatocellular Carcinoma?

Possibly, but a high number needed to treat recommends against their use as chemopreventive agents.

  • By Atif Zaman, MD, MPH
  • February 15, 2013
  • Covering:
    • Singh S et al., Gastroenterology 2013 Feb; 144:323

No Known Strategies Prevent Vertical HCV Transmission

A systematic review of perinatal management strategies came up empty.

  • By Atif Zaman, MD, MPH
  • February 8, 2013
  • Covering:
    • Cottrell EB et al., Ann Intern Med 2013 Jan 15; 158:109

Hospital Treatment for Upper Gastrointestinal Bleeding in France

A snapshot of standard care in public hospitals shows familiar risk factors and outcomes.

All-Oral Interferon-Free Treatment for Patients with Hepatitis C

Responses were impressive in some subgroups.

  • By Allan S. Brett, MD
  • January 29, 2013
  • Covering:
    • Gane EJ et al., N Engl J Med 2013 Jan 3; 368:34
    • Poordad F et al., N Engl J Med 2013 Jan 3; 368:45

Boceprevir and HIV PIs: Drug-Interaction Study Published

Boceprevir lowers the levels of several commonly used HIV protease inhibitors, but whether this decreases antiviral activity is not yet known.

Successful Clearance of Hepatitis C Virus Is Associated with Lower All-Cause Mortality

Further justification for use of HCV therapies to achieve sustained virologic response

  • By Atif Zaman, MD, MPH
  • January 11, 2013
  • Covering:
    • van der Meer AJ et al., JAMA 2012 Dec 26; 308:2584

HBV Treatment Reverses Cirrhosis

Nearly three quarters of hepatitis B virus–infected patients with cirrhosis at baseline were no longer cirrhotic after 5 years of tenofovir therapy.

Interferon-Free Regimens for Chronic HCV Infection: Getting Closer

Several regimens with polymerase or protease inhibitors plus ribavirin achieved high sustained virologic response rates without interferon.

  • By Atif Zaman, MD, MPH
  • January 2, 2013
  • Covering:
    • Gane EJ et al., N Engl J Med 2013 Jan 3; 368:34
    • Poordad F., N Engl J Med 2013 Jan 3; 368:45

Isolated Hepatitis B Core Antibody: A Step Closer to Understanding this Enigmatic Profile

This serologic pattern is associated with HIV or hepatitis C virus infection and is usually a persistent finding.

Estrogen Modulating Therapy for HCV Infection in Postmenopausal Women

Adding raloxifene hydrochloride to standard therapy significantly increased response, but only among women with <$EMPH_O>IL28B<$EMPH_C> genotype TT.

  • By Atif Zaman, MD, MPH
  • December 14, 2012
  • Covering:
    • Furusyo N et al., J Hepatol 2012 Dec; 57:1186

Elevated Liver Enzymes with Naltrexone Might Not Indicate Toxicity

Are we overestimating drug hepatotoxicity?

  • By Steven Dubovsky, MD
  • December 3, 2012
  • Covering:
    • Mitchell MC et al., J Stud Alcohol Drugs 2012 Nov; 73:991

Anticoagulants Can Prevent — Not Just Treat — Portal Vein Thrombosis in Cirrhosis

Enoxaparin was safe and effective in preventing PVT, improving survival, and reducing hepatic decompensation in patients with advanced cirrhosis.

  • By Atif Zaman, MD, MPH
  • November 30, 2012
  • Covering:
    • Villa E et al., Gastroenterology 2012 Nov; 143:1253
Items 1-25 of 403 are shown

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